Home Energy Pros Forum2017-10-16T23:03:30ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61http://api.ning.com:80/files/Mqp9VR2*FEZV2uRCv1otJiH-8q*0x8oOfouIEqJCnz0B1ZdsQuplY1NvjJU9ema-b7pKfMtMP9DJRgFh466oH5GzpJTa7dSq/MABHRC2010cropv.3.jpg?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://homeenergypros.org/forum/topic/listForContributor?user=2jg4w7i3r9kvh&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHow would you insulate this roof?tag:homeenergypros.org,2017-10-15:6069565:Topic:2247732017-10-15T20:19:43.070ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p>I have a client who needs your help. In the early 80's, he and his wife built a beautiful off-grid home on a small island near Fort Myers, FL. It currently serves as a convenient getaway, but as they approach retirement, they want to install a limited amount of air conditioning in the form of a couple of small, high-SEER ductless mini-splits.<br></br> <br></br> The aging 12V PV system is quite small -- the refrigerator is propane powered, and there's no well (fresh water supplied by rainwater…</p>
<p>I have a client who needs your help. In the early 80's, he and his wife built a beautiful off-grid home on a small island near Fort Myers, FL. It currently serves as a convenient getaway, but as they approach retirement, they want to install a limited amount of air conditioning in the form of a couple of small, high-SEER ductless mini-splits.<br/> <br/> The aging 12V PV system is quite small -- the refrigerator is propane powered, and there's no well (fresh water supplied by rainwater collection). So he's going to need to upgrade the power system to support the mini-splits. To keep costs reasonable, some envelope improvements are warranted.<br/> <br/> It turns out, the gorilla in the room is the uninsulated metal roof. It's supported by beautiful site-built beam trusses and the exposed roof panels serve as a decorative ceiling. You can only imagine how hot that surface gets, making the home virtually uninhabitable for 4 or 5 months a year.<br/> <br/> I'm not sure what's the best approach to insulate this roof. The owner wants to avoid pulling up the existing roof, which is seriously bolted down, successfully weathering Hurricanes Wilma &amp; Charley and numerous tropical storms. Moreover, the owners have a strong preference for preserving the aesthetics of the exposed metal interior, which means working from above.<br/> <br/> I'm thinking 4" of XPS or poly-iso covered by another metal over-roof. Keep in mind the roof serves as primary collector for fresh water so shingles are a no-go (aside from blow-off risk from the inevitable storms). However, I don't know enough about this to advise on attachment and edge details. Nor do I have a feel for cost, other than it seems obvious that working from below would be less expensive since it wouldn't be structural and he could use a less expensive insulation product.<br/> <br/> I've attached several images for reference. I know we have some savvy retrofit gurus among the membership. I'd appreciate your advice!<span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: arial;"><br/></span></p> What complaints or suggestions do you have when it comes to LED lighting?tag:homeenergypros.org,2017-10-13:6069565:Topic:2248422017-10-13T21:59:17.803ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p>Hello Everyone! :)</p>
<p>Knema is an <a href="https://knema.com/?utm_medium=forum&amp;utm_source=Home-Energy-Pros&amp;utm_term=online-led-store">online LED store</a>, we source and manufacturer LED lighting, and we are interested in getting home professionals' opinions on LED lights.</p>
<p>What experience have you run into using LED lighting? Poorly designed, not living up to power efficiency projections, too complicated to use or just cheap crap..?</p>
<p>Please feel free to let us know…</p>
<p>Hello Everyone! :)</p>
<p>Knema is an <a href="https://knema.com/?utm_medium=forum&amp;utm_source=Home-Energy-Pros&amp;utm_term=online-led-store">online LED store</a>, we source and manufacturer LED lighting, and we are interested in getting home professionals' opinions on LED lights.</p>
<p>What experience have you run into using LED lighting? Poorly designed, not living up to power efficiency projections, too complicated to use or just cheap crap..?</p>
<p>Please feel free to let us know so we can keep these suggestions and complaints in mind as we continue to manufacture more and more LED fixtures right here in Shreveport, La instead of importing them.</p>
<p>I look forward to discussing this with you all more. :)</p>
<p></p> Dirty solar panelstag:homeenergypros.org,2017-10-12:6069565:Topic:2246382017-10-12T22:08:21.282ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p>No, not bad language, just dirt. I've read that output can decline on the order of 15-20% with soiling. I suspect most homeowners don't think about it -- out of sight, out of mind. Perhaps companies that offer leasing arrangements are incentivized to come around and clean periodically (if payments are linked to actual output), but what about user-owned systems? Anyone ever looked into partnering with window-washing companies to promote this service? I just asked ours and they only have…</p>
<p>No, not bad language, just dirt. I've read that output can decline on the order of 15-20% with soiling. I suspect most homeowners don't think about it -- out of sight, out of mind. Perhaps companies that offer leasing arrangements are incentivized to come around and clean periodically (if payments are linked to actual output), but what about user-owned systems? Anyone ever looked into partnering with window-washing companies to promote this service? I just asked ours and they only have two customers who ask them to wash their solar panels.</p> Too many Heat Pump Water Heaters in a basement?tag:homeenergypros.org,2017-10-12:6069565:Topic:2246282017-10-12T14:22:53.739ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p>I recently met with the owner of a local rural inn to discuss performing a comprehensive energy assessment for him. He has been looking at replacing his existing propane boiler and three 80 gal. electric water heaters and has received a proposal for that from a contractor. That contractor is proposing to install a Weil-McLain GV-90 plus THREE- 80 gal. Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs). The basement (which is only under the original building) is roughly 30' x 30' by 8' high, with a bare 1800s…</p>
<p>I recently met with the owner of a local rural inn to discuss performing a comprehensive energy assessment for him. He has been looking at replacing his existing propane boiler and three 80 gal. electric water heaters and has received a proposal for that from a contractor. That contractor is proposing to install a Weil-McLain GV-90 plus THREE- 80 gal. Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs). The basement (which is only under the original building) is roughly 30' x 30' by 8' high, with a bare 1800s stone foundation.</p>
<p> I am concerned that the HPWHs will cool down the basement and default to electric resistance heat when the demand (occupancy) is high. I understand the basics of the enthalpy of the air, but is there a way to calculate how much the temperature of the space will decrease as the HPWHs are doing their thing?</p>
<p>Lower air temperatures and electric resistance heating will notably decrease any efficiency of this renewable technology. Is there a chart or formula that can take into account the size and recovery rate of the water heater, the volume, average temperature and RH of the ambient air to determine the effects of running a given HPWH in a given space?</p> Test out on a hot daytag:homeenergypros.org,2017-10-03:6069565:Topic:2239562017-10-03T16:35:47.936ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Was interested if members had a different approach to firing an atmospheric boiler or furnace on a hot day, in order to test and inspect for spillage and draft. Just turning the Tstat all the way up doesn't work because it's already 86 F in the house.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">We can jump the Tstat on older controls but that's getting more tricky w/ updated Tstat controls. …</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Was interested if members had a different approach to firing an atmospheric boiler or furnace on a hot day, in order to test and inspect for spillage and draft. Just turning the Tstat all the way up doesn't work because it's already 86 F in the house.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">We can jump the Tstat on older controls but that's getting more tricky w/ updated Tstat controls. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Does BPI have a statement on this?</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino;">Thanks. </span></p> Green Built Ranch Housetag:homeenergypros.org,2017-09-29:6069565:Topic:2234472017-09-29T17:21:57.888ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b7kwqbkGesIuEm8tOmVMWstWokAr-ipyG4xoe2sgXRZsl8ajgD1udWLdeT4Xbyt4jKkX8Tv9xAeahG5SicA2wnogey4ctFp5/landscape1.png" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b7kwqbkGesIuEm8tOmVMWstWokAr-ipyG4xoe2sgXRZsl8ajgD1udWLdeT4Xbyt4jKkX8Tv9xAeahG5SicA2wnogey4ctFp5/landscape1.png?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">3D modeling allows us to explore new energy efficiency concepts coupled with renewable resources such as solar and wind. This ranch house concept utilizes a basement extended out to a lower level of…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b7kwqbkGesIuEm8tOmVMWstWokAr-ipyG4xoe2sgXRZsl8ajgD1udWLdeT4Xbyt4jKkX8Tv9xAeahG5SicA2wnogey4ctFp5/landscape1.png" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b7kwqbkGesIuEm8tOmVMWstWokAr-ipyG4xoe2sgXRZsl8ajgD1udWLdeT4Xbyt4jKkX8Tv9xAeahG5SicA2wnogey4ctFp5/landscape1.png?width=750" class="align-center" width="750"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', geneva;">3D modeling allows us to explore new energy efficiency concepts coupled with renewable resources such as solar and wind. This ranch house concept utilizes a basement extended out to a lower level of ground where the basement becomes a green house. The green house is seen in the lower part of the wall, this view is the back of the property. The geo thermal mass of the basement allows the green house to remain cool in the summer and warm in the winter since the thermal mass of the ground provides some overnight heat which is higher than the exterior winter temperature. In the summer the geo thermal mass is cooler than the exterior and hence adsorbs the solar radiant energy entering the glass. Active solar heating panels are seen in the design as well as lots of solar PV panels and small wind turbines. In a close up of the 3D model you will also find a wood gas generator located inside the solar electrical house building in the back of the property, this building acts as a work shop and battery storage area.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">The other thing about this design is how the land is laid out where in a space of about 372 x 246 feet we have maximized the use of the land, which includes a garden, and dog kennels. Other features likewise are located on the landscape to make the most of this small plot of land."</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">Enlarge this photo and enjoy the view.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;">You can view the 3D model at this link:</span><br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva;"><a href="https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/u291de45d-4215-49b0-a9e5-0966f19f2c3c/Solarized-Split-Level-Green-Built-Home">https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/u291de45d-4215-49b0-a9e5-0966f19f2c3c/Solarized-Split-Level-Green-Built-Home</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b7kwqbkGesJbxf9Gx7IowhXO2QpqjVip7Oh7lM8z3Os0NF*zAjdkg9IijYZpUrgXRvI*krvkliM5LOLDV5kLNrTkA7AAV8NU/landscape2.png" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/b7kwqbkGesJbxf9Gx7IowhXO2QpqjVip7Oh7lM8z3Os0NF*zAjdkg9IijYZpUrgXRvI*krvkliM5LOLDV5kLNrTkA7AAV8NU/landscape2.png?width=750" class="align-center" width="750"/></a>Front view.</p> A pop-up solar city is coming to Denvertag:homeenergypros.org,2017-09-27:6069565:Topic:2232662017-09-27T14:08:22.414ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/TED4Gh0yWtFi5q*8Eb0Ru25YNxOMmDl6cvemvurEnLwsl1dyIvNI-mHaq4Ugc4k0oFtfzCgis8zOpYArCB3Nyjfd43zvwi5c/ScreenShot20170927at9.06.06AM.png" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/TED4Gh0yWtFi5q*8Eb0Ru25YNxOMmDl6cvemvurEnLwsl1dyIvNI-mHaq4Ugc4k0oFtfzCgis8zOpYArCB3Nyjfd43zvwi5c/ScreenShot20170927at9.06.06AM.png?width=650" width="650"></img></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For the next few weeks, Denver is hosting an internationally-recognized collegiate competition called the …</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/TED4Gh0yWtFi5q*8Eb0Ru25YNxOMmDl6cvemvurEnLwsl1dyIvNI-mHaq4Ugc4k0oFtfzCgis8zOpYArCB3Nyjfd43zvwi5c/ScreenShot20170927at9.06.06AM.png" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/TED4Gh0yWtFi5q*8Eb0Ru25YNxOMmDl6cvemvurEnLwsl1dyIvNI-mHaq4Ugc4k0oFtfzCgis8zOpYArCB3Nyjfd43zvwi5c/ScreenShot20170927at9.06.06AM.png?width=650" width="650" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For the next few weeks, Denver is hosting an internationally-recognized collegiate competition called the <a href="https://www.solardecathlon.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Solar Decathlon</a>. Organized by the US Department of Energy, it will pit 13 teams of university students against each other to design and build the best full-sized solar-powered house. The students began assembling their solar-powered houses on Saturday, September 23 and have until the first week of October to complete them. Even though there will only be one winner, all of the houses are used after the competition in some way — with some being sold and transported, others being displayed at their respective colleges, and others used for research.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Every house must be completely powered with solar and be able to blend market potential with energy and water efficiency. There are 10 contests within the Solar Decathlon that are graded on a point scale — architecture, market potential, communications, engineering, innovation, water, health and comfort, appliances, home life, energy — and the culmination of these 10 categories will produce one grand prize winner in October. During the weeks of assemblage, some of the contests only require that judges inspect the units, while other contests — like home life — will ask teams to hold dinner parties for the other contestants in their homes using the energy, cookware, appliances and furniture. </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://303magazine.com/2017/09/solar-decathlon-denver/" target="_blank">Read all about it.</a><br/></span></p> The Dynamic American Walltag:homeenergypros.org,2017-09-27:6069565:Topic:2233522017-09-27T13:07:17.170ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p></p>
<p>Capturing the building communities attention is not easy unless you have something new to share that is intuitive and offers real insight into air sealing and energy performance.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Link below 43 Shares 162 Likes has reached that watermark. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/a-solution-for-the-dynamic-wall-1">http://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/a-solution-for-the-dynamic-wall-1</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Capturing the building communities attention is not easy unless you have something new to share that is intuitive and offers real insight into air sealing and energy performance.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Link below 43 Shares 162 Likes has reached that watermark. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/a-solution-for-the-dynamic-wall-1">http://information.insulationinstitute.org/blog/a-solution-for-the-dynamic-wall-1</a></p> Siemen Scholarship for BPI Certification - Applications due 11/30/17tag:homeenergypros.org,2017-09-26:6069565:Topic:2233182017-09-26T14:14:01.670ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p>The Jon Siemen Memorial Scholarship is intended to help individuals in the industry who are working to make a difference in the comfort, health, safety, and energy efficiency of our homes. Jon had a passion for weatherization and helping others. <br></br> <br></br> The Building Performance Institute (BPI) awards this scholarship to four (4) recipients annually. </p>
<p><b>Recipients of the scholarship will be able to take the online and field exams that are applicable for the certification…</b></p>
<p>The Jon Siemen Memorial Scholarship is intended to help individuals in the industry who are working to make a difference in the comfort, health, safety, and energy efficiency of our homes. Jon had a passion for weatherization and helping others. <br/> <br/> The Building Performance Institute (BPI) awards this scholarship to four (4) recipients annually. </p>
<p><b>Recipients of the scholarship will be able to take the online and field exams that are applicable for the certification designation indicated on the application, at no cost</b>. BPI will also work with each recipient to help them obtain training for that certification at reduced or no cost.<br/> <br/> Applications for the 2018 Scholarship are due November 30th, 2017. <br/> <b><br/> Who can apply? Applicants:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Must work with a weatherization program</li>
<li>Must use the scholarship to obtain a new certification</li>
<li>Cannot use the scholarship for recertification or for obtaining a certification that has expired</li>
<li>If applying for a Home Energy Professional (HEP) certification or the Healthy Home Evaluator (HHE) certification, must meet the specific prerequisites for each</li>
<li>Must not have received the Siemen Scholarship in the past<br/><br/></li>
</ul>
<p>If interested, you can download the application <a href="http://www.bpi.org/sites/default/files/Jon_Siemen_Memorial_Scholarship_Instructions_and_Application.pdf">here</a>.<br/> <br/> Questions? Please contact: <a href="mailto:SiemenScholarship@bpi.org" target="_blank">Siemen Scholarship</a>.</p> Abandoning under-slab HVAC ductwork which fills with groundwater seasonally.tag:homeenergypros.org,2017-09-13:6069565:Topic:2219802017-09-13T14:58:55.626ZMelissa Baldridgehttp://homeenergypros.org/profile/MelissaBaldridge61
<p>Our company is building a custom home in Wyoming on a site with high ground water. The client wanted to have supplemental forced-air heating and air conditioning. The design called for "waterproof" direct burial ductwork which we placed in good faith and according to the manufacturer's direction last fall. After that, we shaded it with gravel and poured structural slabs over it.</p>
<p></p>
<p>This past spring, our site experienced high ground water and all of the major supply/return…</p>
<p>Our company is building a custom home in Wyoming on a site with high ground water. The client wanted to have supplemental forced-air heating and air conditioning. The design called for "waterproof" direct burial ductwork which we placed in good faith and according to the manufacturer's direction last fall. After that, we shaded it with gravel and poured structural slabs over it.</p>
<p></p>
<p>This past spring, our site experienced high ground water and all of the major supply/return ductwork filled with water. We have looked into various means of repair, but none are proven or guaranteed. At this time we are moving ahead with a retrofit overhead conveyance system. I need to fill the abandoned ductwork with something that will prevent them from filling with water next spring. A major concern is the environmental/organic contaminant risk.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Does anyone have a similar previous experience?</p>